Peru: A Comprehensive Overview

What is Peru?

Peru is a country located on the western coast of South America, bordered by Ecuador and Colombia to the north, Brazil to the east, Bolivia to the southeast, Chile to the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Peru is renowned for its rich history, being the heart of the ancient Inca Empire, and for its cultural diversity, which includes a blend of indigenous, African, Spanish, and Asian influences. The country is famous for its archaeological sites, including the iconic Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Peru’s diverse geography includes the Andes mountain range, the Amazon rainforest, and the coastal desert.

Administrative Divisions

Peru is divided into 26 regions, along with a constitutional province, Lima, which is also the capital. The regions are:

Amazonas
Ancash
Apurímac
Arequipa
Ayacucho
Cajamarca
Callao
Cusco
Huancavelica
Huánuco
Ica
Junín
La Libertad
Lambayeque
Lima
Loreto
Madre de Dios
Moquegua
Pasco
Piura
Puno
San Martín
Tacna
Tumbes
Ucayali

Currency Details

Currency Name: Nuevo Sol (PEN)
Symbol: S/
Subunit: 1 Nuevo Sol = 100 céntimos
Central Bank: Central Reserve Bank of Peru (BCRP)

Type of Government

Peru is a presidential republic. The President of Peru serves as both the head of state and head of government, elected for a five-year term. Peru operates under a multi-party system, and its legislative body is a unicameral Congress. The judiciary is independent, and the legal system is based on civil law.

Detailed Hierarchy of Government Roles

Executive Branch

President: The head of state and government, responsible for managing the executive functions, foreign policy, and defense.
Prime Minister: Appointed by the President, the Prime Minister assists with the day-to-day running of the government.
Cabinet Ministers: The President appoints ministers to head various departments, such as health, education, and finance.

Legislative Branch

Congress of the Republic: The unicameral Congress consists of 130 members, who are elected for five-year terms. It is responsible for passing laws, approving the budget, and overseeing the executive branch.

Judicial Branch The judiciary is independent, and Peru’s highest court is the Constitutional Court. Other key judicial bodies include the Supreme Court and various regional and specialized courts.

International Memberships

Peru is a member of several international organizations, including:

United Nations (UN)
Organization of American States (OAS)
Pacific Alliance
Andean Community (CAN)
World Trade Organization (WTO)

Military Structure

Peru has a significant military force, composed of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The Peruvian military has a history of conflict with neighboring countries but today focuses on national defense and internal security. Peru is also an active participant in regional peacekeeping missions.

Emergency Numbers

Police: 105
Fire: 116
Medical Emergency: 106

SWOT Analysis of Peru

Strengths
- Rich cultural heritage, with a major influence on world history and tourism.
- Abundant natural resources, including minerals, agriculture, and fisheries.
- Growing economy driven by mining, energy, and manufacturing industries.
Weaknesses
- Economic dependence on mining, making the country vulnerable to commodity price fluctuations.
- Income inequality and poverty, especially in rural areas.
- Corruption and political instability, with frequent changes in leadership.
Opportunities
- Growth in eco-tourism, driven by the country’s biodiversity and archaeological sites.
- Expansion of the technology and digital economy, especially in fintech and e-commerce.
- Infrastructure development, including roads, railways, and urban development projects.
Threats
- Environmental challenges, such as deforestation in the Amazon and the impact of climate change on agriculture.
- Social unrest and political polarization, especially related to issues like corruption and inequality.
- Vulnerability to drug trafficking and associated violence, particularly in remote areas.